TP-Link

TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s Internal TX401

Name: TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s Internal TX401, Internal, Wired, PCI Express, Ethernet, 10000 Mbit/s, Red
Brand: TP-Link
SKU: B08GFGG888

Bottom line: The TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s Internal: 10 Gbps over standard RJ45 copper, 10x a typical onboard Gigabit port; main trade-off: needs a free PCIe slot, so it is a non-starter in small or full builds.

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By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-21

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. About the author →

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 10 Gbps over standard RJ45 copper, 10x a typical onboard Gigabit port
✓ Uses existing Cat6/Cat6a runs, no fiber or transceivers to buy
✓ PCIe 3.0 slot install upgrades old boards without a full platform swap
✓ Built for NAS transfers, server builds, and multi-gig internet plans

Cons

✗ Needs a free PCIe slot, so it is a non-starter in small or full builds
✗ 10GBase-T only pays off if your switch and NAS also run 10G
✗ Red PCB clashes with black or white themed windowed builds
✗ Internal card means no laptop or mini-PC use, desktops only

Manufacturer description

The TP-Link TX401 is a PCI Express 10GbE network card that brings 10GBase-T wired networking to a desktop, workstation, or home server build. Built around a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, it pushes data rates up to 10 Gbps over copper Ethernet, roughly ten times the ceiling of the Gigabit port built into most motherboards. That headroom matters when you are moving large files to a NAS, editing video off network storage, running a virtualization host, or backing up a full workstation image, because the bottleneck moves off the network and onto your drives. For retro PC and homelab builders, the TX401…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. TP-Link's retro networking cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro networking cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much faster is the TX401 than my motherboard's built-in Ethernet?

TP-Link rates the TX401 at up to 10 Gbps using 10GBase-T, which is about 10 times the 1 Gbps ceiling of a typical onboard Gigabit port. Real-world speed depends on your switch, cabling, and drive throughput.

What kind of slot does the TX401 need?

It is an internal PCI Express card, so you need a free PCIe slot and case clearance. Confirm slot type and available lanes against your motherboard manual before ordering.

Do I need special cabling to hit 10 Gbps?

The TX401 uses 10GBase-T over copper Ethernet with an RJ45 port, so it works with standard structured cabling rather than fiber. Check the product listing for TP-Link's specific cable category and run-length guidance.

Is the TX401 worth it if I only have a Gigabit switch?

No. The 10 Gbps rating only pays off when the switch, NAS, or server on the other end also supports multi-gig. On a Gigabit switch the card will negotiate down and you gain nothing over onboard Ethernet.

Key Features

10 Gbps Network - Combined with the latest 10GBase-T technology, TX401 delivers extreme speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is 10 times faster than typical Gigabit adapters, ensuring smooth data transmission for both internet access and local data transmissions

Full Specifications

Brand	TP-Link
Color	Assorted
Unit Count	1 count
Model Number	TX401
Connection Type	Wired
Mfr Part Number	TX401
Number of Items	1
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Data Link Protocol	Ethernet
Data Transfer Rate	10 gigabits_per_second
Hardware Interface	Ethernet, PCI
Item Dimensions L x W x H	4.76"L x 3.87"W x 0.85"H
External Testing Certification	Não aplicável
Global Trade Identification Number	06935364072827
Full listing title	TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s Internal TX401, Internal, Wired, PCI Express, Ethernet, 10000 Mbit/s, Red

Ready to buy?

TP-Link TX401 Network Card and Ethernet Adapter 10000 Mbit/s Internal TX401, Internal, Wired, PCI Express, Ethernet, 10000 Mbit/s, Red is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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